Parish, Robert T.

4/10/1885

ROBERT T. PARISH1820-1885

Robt. T. Parish, son of John G. and Eliza Ann Parish, was born in Mississippi, February 29th, 1820 and died April 10th, 1885. He grew up in rebellion against God and became an exceedingly wicked man; but through Divine mercy was arrested and powerfully converted in Union Parish, La., in 1856, and instead of the lion became a lamb. His conversion was clear to himself and became visible to all who knew him.
The Master needed him and called him to the ministry, and in obedience to that “call” he sought and obtained license to preach and was admitted on trial in the Louisiana Conference in February 1858, and into full connection in 1860.
His early educational advantages were not good; but he faithfully improved what he had. Bro. Parish was a man of strong conviction and never failed to express them when necessary. As a Christian he lived above suspicion and had the confidence of all who knew him. As a preacher, he was plain, earnest and logical. He shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God. His whole itinerant life has been in connection with this Conference as follows: Calcasieu in 1858 and 1859; North Rapides, 1860; Centerville, 1861, 62 and 63; North Rapides 1864 and 1865; Columbia, 1866; Farmersville, 1867; Ouachita Circuit, 1868; Farmersville, 1869, 1870, 1871 and 1872; Castor Circuit 1873, Ouachita Circuit, 1874; Downsville Circuit, 1875; Marion Circuit, 1876; Farmersville, 1877; Indian Village, 1878, 1879, 1880 and 1881; Arcadia, 1882 and 1883; Tulip, 1884, and was appointed to Vernon Circuit for 1885.
He died in the triumph of an all-conquering faith, gave frequent expressions of his resignation and said to his Presiding Elder, Bro. Sawyer, “Tell my brethren of the Louisiana Conference that my way is clear,” “I am right.”
A more truthful, earnest Christian minister we have never known. His armor has been laid by; “He is now where the weary are at rest.” Let us emulate his example.